Following a two-hour episode featuring 10 dance performances from the remaining five contestants, the final moments of Tuesday’s Dancing with the Stars brought a rollercoaster of emotions as all of them were revealed to be through to next week’s finale.
With each of the five remaining dancers performing two different styles throughout the semifinal night, let’s take a look at how things played out and what to expect from next week’s finale.
The Performances
Actress Xochitl Gomez with partner Val Chmerkovskiy stood out as the night’s top performer, earning back-to-back perfect 30 scores for their outstanding samba and waltz performances.
Following closely in second place was Charity Lawson of Bachelorette fame, paired with partner Artem Chigvintsev. They wowed the judges with a near-perfect rumba and a quickstep that scored straight 10s, cementing their spot for the finale.
In spite of battling a back injury, Vanderpump Rules star Ariana Madix and partner Pasha Pashko delivered a compelling jive and foxtrot, earning a total of 58 out of 60 points. Meanwhile, singer Jason Mraz and partner Daniella Karagach’s Viennese waltz and paso doble secured them 57 out of 60 points.
The Ending
The actress Alyson Hannigan landed the lowest score of the night with 51 out of 60. Despite dancing a jive and a waltz, the latter received the lowest scores. Surprisingly, she and her partner Sasha Farber moved forward to the finale, much to her delight.
The two remaining names to be called were Gomez and Madix, leading to the unexpected announcement that both of them would advance.
Madix, who was on the edge of tears, revealed her emotional turmoil. This twist stirred up similar feelings among the viewers as well, with people expressing their shock and disbelief on social media.
The Reactions
This finale fake-out means that for the first time ever, five couples will compete in the season finale for a chance at the mirror ball trophy. Host Julianne Hough mentioned that all of the judges’ scores and viewer votes will carry over to next week to determine the champion.
Unless, of course, two couples are announced as the winner?
The Dancing With the Stars season finale airs Tuesday, Dec. 5 on ABC.
